How to Get a Gaming Dealer License in South Dakota
South Dakota requires a gaming dealer license to offer professional services. State fees are $110, which is well below the $178 national average.
Last verified: 2022-03-01 · Source: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3
Quick Facts
- License Required
- Yes
- Licensing Fees
- $110(well below the $178 national average)
- Minimum Age
- 21 years old
What This Means for Your Home Gaming Dealer Business
South Dakota makes it possible to run a home gaming dealer business, but there's a licensing path to follow first. South Dakota is one of 29 states that require licensing.
The good news: South Dakota's $110 fee is below the $178 national average. The real investment is time, not money.
Once licensed, South Dakota offers advantages: no sales tax on services, reducing complexity. Plus, LLC formation is just $150. Your total non-training startup can be under $1,000.
Important detail: Even though you're working from home, you'll still need a shop license from the South Dakota licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards. This is separate from your personal gaming dealer license and is something many first-time home-based gaming dealers overlook.
How to Start Your Home Gaming Dealer Business
Follow these steps to legally launch your business in South Dakota. Most people complete this within 2-4 weeks.
Complete Gaming Dealer Training
Enroll in a South Dakota-approved gaming dealer school.
Tip: You must apply for your exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — don't wait.
Pass the Required Exam ($110)
Once you've finished training, register for the required exam through the South Dakota licensing board.
Form Your South Dakota LLC ($150 state fee)
Register your business with the South Dakota Secretary of State. An LLC protects your personal assets if something goes wrong — a client injury, a lawsuit, or unpaid bills. It also makes you look more professional to clients and helps with taxes.
Fast track: Services like ZenBusiness can form your South Dakota LLC online for $0 + the $150 state filing fee. They handle the paperwork and registered agent service.
Get a Home Occupation Permit & Shop License
You need two things to legally operate from home:
- Home occupation permit — from your county clerk or zoning office. This confirms your neighborhood allows a business from your home. Fees vary by county ($25-$100 typically).
- Shop license — from the South Dakota licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation standards, including proper ventilation, sanitary station setup, and waste disposal.
Get Business Insurance
General liability insurance protects you if a client has an allergic reaction, slips in your home, or claims damage. Most policies for home-based gaming dealers cost $15-$40/month. It's not legally required in South Dakota, but going without it is a real risk when you're working with clients in your home.
Register for State & Federal Taxes
South Dakota does not charge sales tax on personal services. So you won't need to collect sales tax from clients. However, you still need to:
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free, takes 5 minutes online
- Register with the South Dakota Department of Revenue for state income tax
- If you sell products (shampoo, styling products), you will need to collect South Dakota's 4.2% sales tax on those product sales
Book Your First Clients
You're legal and ready. Start building your client base:
- Set up an online booking system (Square Appointments, Booksy, or Vagaro are popular with home-based gaming dealers)
- Create a Google Business Profile so local clients can find you
- Post your work on Instagram — before-and-afters are the #1 way home gaming dealers attract clients
- Ask early clients for Google reviews — reviews are critical for home-based businesses without storefront visibility
Total Estimated Startup Costs
| Exam fees + license | $110 |
| South Dakota LLC formation | $150 |
| Home occupation permit | $25 - $100 |
| Business insurance (first year) | $180 - $480 |
| Total (excluding training/school) | $465 - $840 |
* School tuition varies widely. Some community colleges offer programs under $5,000. The apprenticeship path avoids tuition entirely.
Gaming Dealer Earning Potential in South Dakota
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024), here's what gambling and sports book writers and runners earn in South Dakota. There are approximately 120 employed in the state.
Median Hourly
$14.03
Median Annual
$29,170
Entry Level
$12.38/hr
Top Earners
$17.35/hr
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $12.38 | $25,750 |
| 25th | $12.73 | $26,478 |
| 50th (median) | $14.03 | $29,170 |
| 75th | $14.92 | $31,034 |
| 90th (top earners) | $17.35 | $36,088 |
Note for home-based operators: BLS wage data reflects employed (W-2) workers. Self-employed gaming dealers working from home often charge 20-40% more since they set their own rates and don't pay salon/shop rent. At the median rate, working 30 hours/week would gross roughly $28,453/year as an independent operator.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
South Dakota Business Setup Costs & Details
Here's what you need to know about setting up any home business in South Dakota — beyond the gaming dealer license itself.
Compare Gaming Dealer Requirements in Nearby States
See how South Dakota's requirements compare to neighboring states.
| State | License? | Fees | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota(you) | Yes | $110 | — |
| Iowa | Yes | $58 | — |
| Minnesota | No | — | — |
| Montana | Yes | $105 | — |
| Nebraska | No | — | — |
| North Dakota | No | — | — |
Key takeaway: Requirements vary significantly across the region. Compare fees, training hours, and licensing status to find the best fit for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a gaming dealer license in South Dakota?
Can I run a gaming dealer business from my home in South Dakota?
Do I need to collect sales tax as a gaming dealer in South Dakota?
How much does an LLC cost in South Dakota?
More Gaming Dealer Resources for South Dakota
Gaming Dealer Salary in South Dakota
BLS wage data, percentiles, and state rankings
License Cost Breakdown
Complete cost analysis: fees, training, exams, LLC
Best States for Gaming Dealers
All 50 states ranked by wages, fees, and costs
No-License Jobs in South Dakota
Occupations you can start without a license
Pricing Calculator
Figure out how much to charge clients
Startup Cost Calculator
Personalized budget for your home business
Sources & Disclaimer
Data Sources
- License data: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3 (2022). Independently verified dataset covering licensing requirements across all 50 states + DC.
- LLC and tax data: South Dakota Secretary of State and South Dakota Department of Revenue.
Disclaimer: This guide was last verified 2022-03-01. Licensing laws and fees change — always confirm current requirements directly with the South Dakota licensing board before making business decisions. This site provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice.